Sample Material of Public Administration Study Kit (Paper - I)
Chapter II - Administrative Thought: Scientific Management and Scientific Management movement
To Get Full Material Buy Hard Copy of Study Kit
Join Online Coaching of Public Administration
Scientific Management:
Meaning Although the origin of the terms ‘scientific management’ is contributed to L. D. Brandies (who is believed to have used in the U.S.A. in 1910), the philosophy as such owes its origin to F. W. Taylor. He has defined scientific management as “the art of knowing exactly what you want to do and the seeing that they do it in the best and cheapest way.”
The term ‘scientific management’ implies the application of science to the management of a business concern. It aims at replacement of traditional techniques by scientific techniques. According to Harlow Person, “The term ‘scientific management’ characterizes that form organisation and procedure in purposive collective efforts which rest on principles or laws derived by the process of scientific investigation and analysis, instead of any tradition or a policy determined imperially and casually by the process of trial and error.” According to Frederic Taylor, “Scientific management is the substitution of exact scientific investigations and knowledge for the old individual judgement or opinion, and either of the workmen or the boss, in all matters relating to the work done in the shop.”
Scientific management is a thoughtful and systematic approach to the job of management as contrasted with hit or miss rule of thumb. It stressed rationality, predictability, specialization and technical competence. It concentrated on the design an operation on production processes on the ‘shop’ level of the organisation. “Scientific management”, according to Taylor, included finding the most efficient methods of production, scientific selection and training of workers, proper allotment of duties and work and achieving cooperation between workers and management.” AIMS of Scientific Management
The aims of Scientific management may be summarised under:
- Increased production: Increase in the rate of production by use of standardized tools, equipment and methods.
- Quality control: Improvement in the quality of the output by research, quality control and inspection devices.
- Cost reduction: Reduction in the cost of production b rational planning and regulation and cost control techniques.
- Elimination of wastes: Elimination of wastes in the use of resources, and methods of manufacturing.
- Right men for right wastes: Elimination of wastes in the use of resources, and methods of manufacturing.
- Right men for right work: Placement of the right person on the right job through scientific selection to the efficiency of the workers.
Philosophical Base of Scientific Management
The Scientific Management school is primary attributed to the ideas of Frederick W. Taylor (1856-1915), who is known as ‘the father of scientific management’. Some of the other notable contributors to this school are Frank and Lillian Gilberth, Henry L. Grantt, and Harrington Emerson.
In the formulation and development of the scientific approach to management, the name of Charles Babbage (1792-1871) of England cannot be ignored. He had a highly developed and remarkable capacity for intellectual analysis which enabled him to suggest solutions to industrial problems, and help evolve the science of business management. He should justify be styled as one of pioneers of scientific management.